Starting T3 tomorrow - can I run this past you lovely people please?

[foreversummer]

Hi

Seen an Endo today for the first time. Let's just say he won't be going onto Louise's recommended list anytime soon.

So my plan B. I have my Tiromel (thank you for sources) and these are my blood results dated 29th September 2017:

TSH 0.07 (0.30 - 5.5)

FT4 21 (10 - 22)

FT3 3.9 (3.1 - 6.9)

Ferritin was at 82 last time tested in June. Vit D 123 again in June. B12 is usually around 477 each time tested but still working on it and supplementing folate as well, together with a B complex.

I'm currently taking 125 mcgs levo a day.

I would really appreciate your input on how to proceed. I was thinking that maybe I should reduce levo to 100 mcgs a day and add in 6.25 mcgs T3 for a couple of weeks. Does this sound about right?

Foreversummer

[SlowDragon Administrator]

That's exactly what I did

Though I actually did 3 days at 112mcg T4 and 3.1 T3 2x day first (tiny 1/8th of pill) then upped to 100T4 and 2 x 6.25mcg.

Waiting 6 weeks before moving on.

[foreversummer in reply to SlowDragon]

SlowDragon - I think a drop to 100 mcgs might be too much in one go. Maybe 112 would be better. Thank you.

[Clutter]

Foreversummer,

I wouldn't reduce Levothyroxine dose when adding 6.25mcg T3. FT4 is within range and raising FT3 will probably improve conversion and use more of the FT4.

[foreversummer in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter. Thank you for your reply. I can see the case for not reducing levo with such a small dose of 6.25 mcgs. How would you suggest I proceed from there? Should I go up to 12.5 mcgs T3 after a couple of weeks and then reduce levo? My plan was to hold it at 12.5 mcgs for another six weeks then do private blood tests.

Foreversummer

[Clutter in reply to foreversummer]

Foreversummer,

I assumed you would want to see how you feel on 6.25mcg before deciding to increase to 12.5mcg. If you're going to increase to 12.5mcg then it probably is a good idea to reduce Levothyroxine dose.

[foreversummer in reply to Clutter]

Clutter, I'm so sorry, Getting myself in a muddle and not explaining myself property. Yes, you are right, I thought I would try 6.25mcgs for a couple of weeks to see how I feel. Then, if all goes well I thought I should increase to 12.5 mcgs for another four to six weeks and hold there and then do blood tests.

I'm just wondering at what point I should decrease the levo. Should I decrease it when I go to 12.5 or is there no need?

[Clutter in reply to foreversummer]

Foreversummer,

Yes, I'd wait until you feel you need to increase to 12.5mcg. I would wait 6-8 weeks after increasing because FT3 is slower to respond than TSH and FT4.